Hill Helicopters has redefined helicopter design with its new HX50 as this disruptive new company unveils its first model to deliver in 2024/5.

Its disruptive, ground-up HX50 is a 5-seat, turbine-powered, 500-horsepower rotorcraft and, according to Hill, “the world’s first truly private, luxury helicopter crafted to deliver a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort, and elegance”.

Designed by a team of engineers led by aeronautics engineer Dr. Jason Hill, Ph.D., the HX50 is a fusion of refined performance and artistic elegance. Its composite structure and rotor system, optimised engine, reimagined avionics, and elevated interior design together make the HX50 an exquisite, high tech and high-performance personal aircraft.

“The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” says Hill, founder and CEO of Hill Helicopters. “The only way to create something that is truly groundbreaking is to design from the ground up, giving equal focus to aerospace design, performance, and safety as well as to the artistic and experiential aspects, including comfort, ergonomics, intuitive technology, and luxury. The HX50 brings all of this together to deliver a truly unique aircraft and experience.”

Luxury at the fore

With an interior more suited to a private jet than a functional helicopter, the HX50 is aimed at the private owner for recreational and commuter use in style and comfort. Ergonomically, the interior resembles a luxury vehicle with opulent leather seats and intuitive controls.

The aircraft’s five seats are identical, giving the pilot and each passenger exceptional comfort. Crafted with two-tone Nappa leather, each seat offers drink and personal device storage, USB ports, and four-point harnesses. Headset holders and jacks are integrated into the seat headrests, reducing the clutter caused by cabin ceiling jacks and headrest storage. The rear seats are elevated, providing passengers ideal views over the front seats. Climate control and Bluetooth connectivity are also provided throughout the cabin.

In-house turbine

The GT50 is a two-spool turboshaft engine, comprising a single stage centrifugal compressor with a pressure ratio of 7.0:1 at 46,000rpm, driven by a single-stage axial turbine, specifically optimised for high efficiency, low fuel consumption and long-life.

The single-stage free power turbine operating at 36,000rpm includes a rear power take-off, dramatically simplifying the engine mechanical design, delivering output power through a high-speed reduction gearbox at 5,500rpm for the tail rotor, and a forward drive shaft located underneath the engine to provide drive to the main rotor gearbox.

https://www.hillhelicopters.com/

Hill HX50

Gross Weight 3,630 lbs (1650 kg)

Empty Weight 1,870 lbs (850 kg)

Payload 1,760 lbs (800 kg)

Cargo 200 lbs (90 kg)

Fuel 700 lbs (317 kg)

Length 32 feet (9.8 m)

Width 5 feet (1.6 m)

SHP 500 HP

T/O Power 440 HP

Continuous Power 400 HP

Max Cruise Speed 140 kts (at max gross weight up to 10,000 feet)

Fuel Burn 35 gph at 140 kts; 22 gph at 110 kts

Capacity 5 people, including pilot

Hill GT50 Turbine:

Maximum Continuous Power: 400 hp

Take-off Power (5 mins): 440 hp (Up to 10,000 ft, ISA +15°C)

Emergency Power (30s): 500 hp

Fuel Consumption (MCP): 35 U.S. gallons per hour

Fuel Type: Jet A1 (Alternatives to be announced soon)

TBO: 5,000 hours or 20,000 cycles, on condition.

Control: Hill FADEC (Dual channel, with manual reversion)

Management: Fully integrated with Hill Digital Cockpit

Weight: 100 kg / 220 lbs